Balmoral , NZ
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Parnell, NZ
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Takapuna, NZ
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Auckland, NZ
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Ponsonby, NZ
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Weekends are for exploring and adventures. We don’t know about you, but our favourite kinds of adventures are when it includes good food. With so many new openings, you may be overwhelmed with choice so we’ve made it easy for you by picking our top five restaurants and cafes to visit this weekend!

Kiss Kiss

Balmoral

Perfect for that late night date night with your SO, Kiss Kiss is sure to impress with their dim pink light fittings and bold wall art, palm trees and resort umbrellas. Here, you’re transported to an urban retro jungle with a northern Thai touch. But let’s not forget why you’re here in the first place—food! Their buns are finger licking good and the Sriracha mayo is arguably the best two sauce mix. Order a bun or two and share some wings, but be warned: you’ll need to get your hands dirty to enjoy this feast! Did we mention that their cocktail menus are hidden in view masters? You’ve just reached the epitome of retro cool.

Gerome

Parnell

Breathtakingly beautiful, this Greek eatery is something you don’t want to miss out on. As if crafted by the Greek Gods themselves Gerome is a work of art when it comes to interior design. It is sleek and sophisticated and just wait until you get upstairs. A mix of raw, small and larger plates, their sharing menu is a relief because you’ll want to order everything you read! Ideal for an intimate night out with friends pair that with a good wine in hand, you can pretend you’re Athenian royalty here.

Mimosa

Takapuna

This vegetarian/vegan friendly café is as cute as it is cozy. Mimosa’s dishes are hearty, with a Japanese flare. You’ll find everything from smoothie bowls to tofu bowls. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon coffee pit stop, their cabinet is always full with sweet goodies. Their adorable mini vegan donuts look as if they were stolen from a cartoon series, you can’t help but try these little guys out.

Odettes

City Works Depot

Queen of weekend brunches, Odettes has everything from free wifi to a soothing deep blue ambiance. What makes us coming back for more is not only our soft spot for their impeccable dish presentation but the down to earth service as well. Vanilla crepes already get you salivating by mouthing the words and attempting that French accent. You won’t realise you’re already three coffees deep when you’re perched in this beautiful eatery.

Honeybear

Ponsonby

Honeybear is the new kid on the Ponsonby precinct and it is just what the name suggests. Warm, cozy, hearty with a little bit of dangerous excitement (spices that is.) The Indian-Burmese menu will make you question why this cuisine fusion hasn’t been done sooner. We love their shoestring fries served up with curry gravy and their chicken 65 with roasted garlic aioli. You might have to celebrate (you’ll find a reason!) with one of their cocktail creations, because you’ve just found your new favourite restaurant.

Image credit: Jaiden Bhaga at Honeybear

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By Ayu Fristiasa

Java baby turned Jafa babe, Ayu is always on the search for a good coffee in this Auckland Jungle. When she’s not working out a sweat at Les Mills she’s working it at the reception floor. A soft spot for matcha anything you can find her nestled in cute cafes possibly writing a poem or two.

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